Tag Archive for: approach

Total Approach to leatherjacket control

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Total Approach to leatherjacket control: The new Syngenta Leatherjacket Total Approach Pack will provide turf managers with a comprehensive one-box solution to tackle the damaging pest on turf surfaces. The fully integrated approach will optimise the potential of chemical, biocontrol and cultural measures.

The Leatherjacket Total Approach Pack includes Acelepryn insecticide and Syngenta NemaTrident beneficial nematodes, along with NemaSpreader designed to enhance nematode efficacy. The one-hectare pack also includes a set of Syngenta XC Soil Nozzles to optimise all applications of Acelepryn and NemaTrident.

Total Approach to leatherjacket control

Total Approach to leatherjacket control

Speaking during the industry Leatherjacket Total Approach launch, at the company’s Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre in Berkshire (20-21 July 2023), Syngenta UK & Ireland Business Manager, Sarah Hughes, warned increasing issues of leatherjacket damage is a key challenge for sports turf and amenity turf managers across the UK.

“Leatherjacket larvae pose one of the most severe threats to turf quality on affected sports and amenity surfaces. Not only does their feeding action restrict roots and disrupt surface smoothness, but the foraging of predators for larvae can cause catastrophic damage.

“Now, greenkeepers and agronomists can develop a sustainable ITM strategy that focuses Acelepryn in combination with Syngenta NemaTrident beneficial nematodes on surfaces where they will have the greatest gain, along with a full package of cultural controls and agronomy practices that will best mitigate pest damage on all areas.”

Syngenta Technical Manager, Sean Loakes, highlighted how an integrated strategy of Acelepryn followed by NemaTrident F beneficial nematodes enhances the overall consistency and reliability of leatherjacket control.

Leatherjacket Integrated Turf Management (ITM) research in 2022 – in a relatively high-pressure situation with 100 larvae per m2 in the untreated – showed 89% control from Acelepryn alone, with a 65% reduction in larvae population where just NemaTrident F plus NemaSpreader was used; where the two components were used in sequence the trial resulted in complete larvae control.

The Syngenta recommendation for this integrated approach is for one application of Acelepryn at 0.6 l/ha, followed by NemaTrident F within seven days, at a rate of 2.5 billion nematodes per hectare.

The Total Approach can help turf managers cope with the Acelepryn label limitations on the maximum area that can be treated each year, he added. “For most sports turf, Acelepryn is restricted to a maximum of 10% of the treated surface area. On golf courses, for example, that might cover the most important greens and key areas that have previously attacked, for example.

“For other areas of the course subjected to less pressure or with higher tolerance to limited leatherjacket damage, however, the use of nematodes and a range of cultural controls could offer sufficient leatherjacket control and turf enhancement to effectively manage the pest.

“Key is a better understanding of all the ITM options available, and best matching the strategy to the leatherjacket pressure on any given area,” he advocated.

NemaTrident F is the nematode species Steinernema feltiae, selected specifically contain and transmit a fatal bacteria into infested leatherjackets. It is also a nematode species that is active at soil temperatures above 8⁰C, which makes it particularly suitable for autumn applications in the UK, but must be utilised before soil temperatures fall too far.

“Research in the laboratory confirms that NemaTrident F nematodes can be highly effective in controlling leatherjacket larvae,” reported Sean. “However, they can quickly be adversely affected if conditions are not suitable for their survival and activity in the soil.”

Nematode research has highlighted soil moisture is necessary for nematodes to survive and to move through the surface film to seek out leatherjackets, along with creating conditions where leatherjacket larvae will move and come into contact with more nematodes.

“That can be specifically aided with the use of NemaSpreader, which should always be applied with NemaTrident and has been shown to enhance results by 30%, compared to the nematodes alone,” he reported. Furthermore, wetting agent strategies and irrigation can help to create the optimum conditions for nematodes to perform.

Sean pointed out that other cultural measures that will help the resilience of turf to withstand leatherjacket damage and maintain surface quality includes Primo Maxx II programmes to enhance rooting and plant vigour, wetting agent programmes and ensuring adequate balanced nutrition. Along with potential for biostimulants and other new bioproducts to protect plant health and improve quality. The timing and intensity of aeration practices may also need to be tailored according to pest pressure, he suggested.

However, while these cultural measures can help plants to better withstand leatherjacket activity, it is primarily through the controls of Acelepryn and NemaTrident F that the numbers can be physically reduced.

The introduction of the Leatherjacket Total Approach Pack provides a cost effective and structured strategy for turf surfaces. It provides two modes of action on leatherjacket pests, for a more sustainable long-term solution.

Acelepryn, NemaTrident and NemaSpreader, along with the Leatherjacket Total Approach Pack, are distributed in the UK and Ireland by ICL Ltd: www.icl-growingsolutions.uk Full details and recommendations for its implementation on turf surfaces will be available in time for the autumn control programmes.

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ICL trio work in sustainable approach

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ICL trio work in sustainable approach: The Course Manager at Hesketh Golf Club has revealed how three ICL products play a significant role in his sustainable approach to golf course management.

Peter McVicar has been the Course Manager at Hesketh Golf Club for fifteen years after initially learning his trade on the west coast of Scotland. In creating the majestic course at Hesketh, Peter has been committed to taking a sustainable approach to greenkeeping.

ICL trio work in sustainable approach

ICL trio work in sustainable approach

“It is no secret that over the years there have been less and less regulated products available for greenkeepers to use and there will be even less soon,” he said.

“We’ve not used a fungicide in over 12 years. Yes, we get a bit of disease every now and then, but we accept it, and the members are on-board with this approach too. Communication with them is so important because we need to tell them what we are doing and why we are doing it.”

As part of the sustainable approach, Peter relies on three ICL products in the form of H2Pro TriSmart wetting agent, Vitalnova Links biostimulant and Gronamic Golf 6-2-4 – an organo-mineral fertiliser.

He explained how these three products benefit the course.

“We apply Gronamic around March, which gives us a nice gentle boost at the start of the year without any excessive growth which we are keen to avoid – it just makes everything healthy. I like the fact it has a turf proven seaweed incorporated as well as a recycled phosphorus source in the form of struvite to help keep everything ticking over.

“Initially we just used TriSmart on the greens but based on the results we decided to roll that out to other areas such as tees, fairways and approaches, as well as the greens. The results have been especially impressive on the fairways, and we are managing to keep them healthy going into winter. We have good coverage, and the difference has been down to TriSmart.

“Last but certainly not least is Vitalnova Links which is a very special product in my eyes. It has the unique seaweed extract SMX combined with the carbohydrate based biostimulant Blade, which is two products we used to apply so to have that together in one formulation is very beneficial from both a cost and practicality point of view.

“These are all products that I like to always have in my arsenal,” continued Peter. “With price increases going up all the time you need to be using products that perform, and these ICL products do exactly that.”

Peter admits that taking the sustainable approach is not without its challenges and that the ever-changing weather conditions will continue to make life difficult. He believes it is imperative that greenkeepers start looking towards the future.

“Temperatures will continue to change, and we have to keep looking forward to both practises and products that can futureproof the course as much as possible,” he said. “I think with the research that is happening, particularly from companies like ICL, there will effective be solutions available.

ICL trio work in sustainable approach

ICL trio work in sustainable approach

“The good thing about ICL is that you always feel that they are on your side. You talk and you walk; you tell them what you are thinking, and they help you out along the way. Rob Ainscough (ICL Technical Area Sales Manager) knows our story and what we are trying to do.

“The relationship with Rob is very good – he is an ex-greenkeeper, and he has my respect. He takes the time to ensure that all the members of staff know exactly what the products do and why they are applying them. In turn we then relay that knowledge to our members.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-sf.co.uk or www.icl-sf.ie if you are in Ireland.

For more news and insightful views, you can follow ICL on Twitter @ICL_Turf

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Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

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Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key: Autumn is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, according to Keats, but for turf managers it is also the season when turf surfaces are most at risk from disease.

Management of disease, particularly Microdochium nivale which can be hugely damaging to both fine and sports turf surfaces, has changed dramatically in recent years – due to two main drivers: the changing climate and legislational changes, removing effective pesticides from turf managers toolkits. Headland Amenity explores.

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

With the reduction of available curative chemistry, it is no surprise that the latest approaches to tackling disease focus on challenging it before it strikes – utilising preventative treatments rather than relying on costly, repeated fungicide applications. Together with effective aeration and cultural maintenance programmes, applications of products defined as ‘non-pesticidal’ (not directly acting on the pathogen) are proving to be an effective management tool. Research indicates that if disease populations are kept to a minimum through October and November – traditionally the key months for disease infection – the potential for aggressive outbreaks during December and the following spring is significantly reduced.

The aim of a non-pesticidal programme, implemented as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy is three-fold:

  • To change the plants surface environment to make it harder for disease pathogens to grow on and into the leaf’s surfaces
  • Stimulate the plant’s natural defence mechanisms
  • Improve plant health, growth and strength by stimulating root and shoot development and chlorophyll production

Headland Amenity have been pioneering research work, carrying out trials using combinations of product to minimise Microdochium nivale, since 2007. This work paved the way for the now renowned 20-20-30 enhanced plant health (EPH) approach – utilising two plant protectants and a plant elicitor, all fully tank-mix compatible to boost plant health and combat disease. Headland’s 20-20-30 mix has been independently tested annually at the STRI in Bingley which has seen refinements and improvements to the programme, with the recent addition of Mantle®.

The first ‘20’ refers to protectant Liquid Turf Hardener. This is a low pH, liquid formulation of calcium, magnesium and nitrate nitrogen to facilitate rapid uptake and response even at low air and soil temperatures. Its role is to strengthen the plant cell wall to produce a harder, more disease resistant sward.

Turfite® Elite is a potassium phosphite-based elicitor and is the second key component in the 20-20-30 mix. Alongside potassium phosphite, Turfite® Elite features Salicylic acid, to maximise stimulation of the plants natural defence mechanism (SAR) and encourage plant growth. Research work by Headland Amenity as part of the Phosphite biostimulant stewardship group has also positively linked phosphite with both enhanced rooting and more efficient nitrogen utilisation – all contributing towards healthier growth and limiting the potential for damage by pathogens.

The second protectant product, Seamac® Proturf Fe is the final component, incorporated at a rate of 30l/ha. Seamac® Proturf Fe is a liquid formulation of chelated iron supplemented with magnesium and seaweed which acidifies the surface of the leaf to discourage pathogenic fungal growth. By using multiple forms of iron, Seamac® Proturf Fe also offers a rapid green up after application, and optimum long-lasting winter colour.

Found to enhance efficacy, Mantle® has been recommended to supplement applications of the 20-20-30 tank-mix since 2018. Mantle® is a water-soluble micronutrient package containing manganese, zinc, magnesium and Harpin Plant Elicitor. Mantle® creates an environment on the plant leaf surface that discourages pathogen growth and stimulates physiological processes conducive to better plant growth. Mantle® should be applied at 10kg/ha during normal and high disease activity periods.

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

Preventative, non-pesticidal approach proves key

Over the winter of 2021-22, trials were conducted at the STRI along with Headland’s own study at the Origin Amenity Throws Technology Centre. The findings demonstrated extreme effectiveness of the 20-20-30 mix in preventing disease – with minimal disease at all recorded on the treated plots between the months of September to March, while an average of 13% disease content was recorded on control plots during the same period. Along with excellent control, visual merit was also apparent even in areas that were neighboured by severely affected plots. In addition, turf health was measured via NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) readings where, again, the 20-20-30 mix maintained superior health to control.

John Hunnisett, Course Manager at Gillingham Golf Club recently discovered the 20-20-30 programme and credits the combination of products with making a huge difference to the health and presentation of the greens. “The combination of reducing organic matter and enhancing plant health with monthly applications of 20-20-30 between September and March has drastically reduced the amount of disease we registered – and what we did get was easily recoverable and didn’t lead to scarring.”

Essendon Country Club is another venue to benefit from the enhanced plant health mix, emerging from the autumn and winter of 2021 disease-free. “Where we would traditionally begin applications of 20-20-30+Mantle at the end of September, we brought this forward to the end of August last year because of the concerns we had about disease, Fusarium in particular” explains Director of Courses Marc Winnan. “The 20-20-30+Mantle was complemented with applications of DewCure™ to reduce leaf moisture and this combination, without a doubt, had a massive impact on protecting plant health and saw us get through the whole winter with no disease.”

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STAR EV supports sustainable approach

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STAR EV supports sustainable approach: Radley College has chosen to replace its fleet of utility vehicles with STAR EV’s Capella Work Machines stating the lithium-ion energy source as the key reason for choosing the new brand to the UK market.

The prestigious boys school in Oxfordshire needed to replace an ageing UTV fleet and made the decision to go electric as part of its sustainability plans to become carbon neutral in the next few years.

STAR EV supports sustainable approach

STAR EV supports sustainable approach

Adam King, head of grounds, says: “Making this commitment to a fleet of all-electric utility vehicles is part of the estate’s plans to become more sustainable. While new to the market, what caught our attention with the STAR EV range were the Lithium-ion batteries. Other brands have lead acid and that’s just not as favourable when it comes to longevity and charging.”

The Capella Work Machine, of which Radley College has bought eight, is powered by a 48v 5Kw motor and comes with a high powered 10Kw lithium-ion battery charged via an on-board Lester charger. Users can opportunistically charge and can expect a good 60 miles per charge. Plus there’s no need to worry about power drifting away as there’s a constant amount delivered throughout the discharge.

The machines will be used predominantly by the gardening department and Adam references the machines’ 670kgs payload as another reason for choosing the Capellas, he says: “These machines will be used for everyday activities such as transporting waste or litter and landscape materials around, carrying lawnmowers, and assisting in heavier workloads with fencing projects and hard landscaping with slabs and all sorts in the back. The payload capacity means we know we can load them up and get on with it.”

Star EV is distributed in the UK by Reesink e-Vehicles, a division of Reesink UK who Radley College has used for many years for its turfcare machinery. Adam says: “It is an advantage that we can continue using Reesink for our electric utility vehicles, we trust them as a distributor and know they provide excellent back up support. But that was by no means the deciding factor, STAR EV stands up on its own as a worthy contender in the fleet vehicles market.

“They’re good value and support our ethos for future-proofing the purchases we make and getting the best out of everything. We’re really pleased to have them on board our journey to carbon neutrality.”

Dave French, sales manager for Reesink e-Vehicles, comments: “The next generation are very aware about the importance of our reducing carbon footprint and being kind to the planet. So it’s fitting that Radley College has chosen STAR EV as a suitable replacement for most of its utility vehicles for the grounds department. The Work Machines are zero emissions with lithium-ion batteries. So no leaks, no top ups and no charging emissions. They also tip-toe quietly around the site without disturbing the students while the work.”

To talk to Reesink e-Vehicles about the STAR EV range, call 01480 226800 or go online at reesink-evehicles.co.uk

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Custom cars driving a modern approach

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Custom cars driving a modern approach: The Astbury Golf Club has taken delivery of a new fleet of tailored vehicles, as it extends its partnership with Club Car, the world’s largest manufacturer of small-wheel electric vehicles.

The dozen electric Tempo cars, each fitted with a long-lasting Lithium battery, have been designed to fit with The Astbury’s approach to host the modern golfer.

Custom cars driving a modern approach

Custom cars driving a modern approach

With several accessories fitted, including dual mobile phone charging points, the vehicles are a mix of industry-leading durability and premium comfort.

The Astbury Golf Club has now partnered with Club Car for more than eight years.

Daniel Hodson, of Hodson Consultants, who has been working with The Astbury Golf Club since October 2019, said: “These new vehicles match our ethos at The Astbury – people should be playing golf to enjoy themselves.

“To push golf into the 21st Century has meant allowing people to be on their phones and these vehicles will enable them to have their devices charged all day. We are embracing the needs of modern-day life.”

The Astbury Golf Club reopened in May 2021 under new owners Faro Captial, who are investing in converting the venue into a luxury golf and lodge resort. Since then, it has welcomed 200 members and hosted 100 corporate and society events.

The development of 300 new lodges is taking place at the site and the club leased a six-seater Club Car Utility vehicle to chauffeur clients around the venue.

The course itself offers a challenge for golfers of all abilities; the Par 71 6,500-yard course has immaculate putting surfaces with subtle undulations that will test the skills of even the very best putter.

Tom Storrar, who joined The Astbury Golf Club as Director of Golf in March 2021, said: “It’s a business partnership that we have with Club Car, not just a service to customer one. Club Car vehicles are a robust product that spend their time on the course and the Lithium battery provides a long charge, which is especially beneficial.”

He also added: “The support we have received from Club Car cannot be faulted, while the after sales care and service process is unmatched.”

Club Car supplies many of the world’s leading golf destinations with its wide range of vehicles, and is an official supplier to the European Tour, the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) and St Andrews Links Trust.

For more information on Club Car click here.

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New approach for Newark Golf Club

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New approach for Newark Golf Club: Established in 1901, Newark Golf Club in Nottinghamshire is an 18-hole parkland/heathland golf course with a driving range and practice facilities maintained by a greenkeeping team of six led by course manager Alex Clarricoates.

Alex joined the club from school on work experience 13 years ago and was then offered a full-time job. Since he became course manager three years ago, a new club board took the opportunity after the first Covid lockdown to restructure the running of the golf course and make some necessary improvements. By outsourcing the pro shop and clubhouse to franchise operators, this freed up extra money to spend on the club’s main asset, the golf course.

New approach for Newark Golf Club

New approach for Newark Golf Club

“The club was very supportive and happy to make the investment I thought was necessary to improve the course quality, rather than simply making do with what we had,” says Alex. “I was therefore encouraged to put together a list of the machines we needed to get us properly equipped. For example, we used to hire in a contractor to do the vertidraining, but we now have our own machine which gives us much more flexibility and costs the club less money in the long run.

“Having bought our first John Deere package in 2017, the old fleet needed upgrading. There was a mix of deals on different terms with and without maintenance agreements, so essentially we emptied the shed and replaced the fleet, with the help of our local dealer Simon Fountain at Adamson’s Langworth depot.

“In particular, we decided to invest in new mowers dedicated to the rough, semi-rough and fairways, to give us more flexibility with the cutting regimes. We can now mow the roughs, aprons and tees more regularly, whereas before one machine had to do two jobs, and we also have a specialist amenity turf sprayer, which we didn’t have before.

“Another benefit is that one of my assistants, Jim North, used to work with Simon at the previous John Deere dealership, so he’s familiar with the kit and can look after all the service and maintenance.”

The new John Deere fleet (pictured on the 8th hole) includes three 2550E hybrid electric triplex mowers with two spare sets of 7- and 11-blade reels, a 6700A PrecisionCut fairway mower, 9009A TerrainCut and 1600T WAM Series 3 rotary rough mowers, a 4066R compact tractor with 440R front loader and 4-in-1 bucket, a ProGator 2030A utility vehicle with HD200 sprayer and cargo box plus TH 6×4 and TE electric Gators.

Ancillary equipment bought as part of the John Deere Financial five-year finance lease package deal includes a Charterhouse Redexim Top-Brush and Verti-Drain 7416 aerator, a Campey Turf Care Vredo DZ 214.07.5 compact seeder and a Tru-Turf RE50 greens roller.

“After the course was shut during the last lockdown, it took the team about a month to prepare the course ready to open again, using the new equipment, and it was in mint condition straight from the off,” says Alex.

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Change in approach to managing amenity spaces

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Change in approach to managing amenity spaces: Withdrawal from the European community, and the consequences of a pandemic, are already substantially impacting on all who manage amenity and sports spaces.

The pandemic has highlighted just how important these areas are to all and especially in the urban and sporting environment. BREXIT has heralded new requirements in trading, changes in resource sourcing and more. For those charged with maintaining areas, those involved operationally and indeed anyone with an interest in amenity, these are times when it can be difficult to keep up with policy announcements and new innovations and approaches.

Change in approach to managing amenity spaces

Change in approach to managing amenity spaces

All this means that the timing of the 2021 Amenity Forum conference, to be held on October 21st, could not be better and its title ‘Facing the Future’ very apt indeed. The conference will focus on policy change and its impact. The event will commence with keynote senior speakers from Defra, the Chemicals Regulation Department of HSE (CRD) and the Environment Agency. Defra will address change resulting from the recent review of the UK National Action Plan relating to weed, pest and disease management. The CRD speaker will address changes in pesticide regulation and enforcement approaches. The Environment Agency will look at the ever tightening of regulation relating to water and its quality. Each area is crucially important and reason in itself for conference attendance.

These will be followed by some eminent speakers involved operationally who will look at what more integrated approaches might mean including a specific contractor and a distributor view. There will then be a focus on the vitally important area of education and training. Policy change will bring more requirements for both training and CPD and increased innovation in how this can be delivered. The conference programme will conclude with some individual perspectives on the future for amenity and sports space management. This will include a focus on parks, on the environmental impact of various management approaches and what is involved in creating and maintaining surfaces at an international sporting venue.

To complement all of this will be an exhibition area where supporters will be on hand to showcase and describe what they do and new developments. There will be the announcement of the category winners for the Amenity Sprayer Operator of the Year and John Moverley will provide a presentation of his thoughts looking forward.

A day not to be missed and, given the support from organisations, very competitively priced at £95 per delegate. For further information, please contact Kate at admin@amenityforum.net

Some comments from participants at last year’s event were:

‘’I would just like to say a huge thank you for putting on a great conference, along with some excellent speakers in their various fields of expertise from across the sector. The whole conference was well organised, fast moving and held my attention throughout’’

‘’Congratulations on such a successful and well run event.  As usual the standard of presenters and presentations was incredibly high, although we’ve come to expect that. .  It was an incredibly worthwhile day, very enjoyable and I learnt new things’’

‘’Just to let you know that I thought the conference yesterday was really excellent – the content and speakers were very good and their topics were very relevant.  Very well managed making great use of the time, an event not to be missed’’

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